As summer continues its vibrant march, local music enthusiasts have something to look forward to. Tia Ward and Asa Simpson-Cole, CCS graduates and founders of String Impact, are gearing up for their annual community concert. "One Sound," part of the String Impact Annual Community Concert series, is slated for August 18 at the Lincoln Theater, promising an afternoon of musical exploration starting at 2:00 p.m.
Ward and Simpson-Cole, not just musicians but multi-instrumentalists with a vision, started their journey in 2020 amidst global upheaval. String Impact was their answer to the pandemic's silence, leveraging music as a tool for societal healing and personal connection. Their dedication has seen them blend genres like R&B, Hip-Hop, Soul, and Electronic to craft an inclusive sonic experience that resonates across demographics. "The Essence of Life Flows Through Music," a phrase coined by the duo, embodies this ethos, aiming to leave "hope, inspiration, peace, and happiness on the hearts" of listeners, per the details available on ccsoh.us.
This year's show is a milestone for String Impact, as it's the first to include a live band. It marks a departure from previous years, where the act relied on backing tracks for musical accompaniment. The stage will feature not only Tia and Asa but also a mix of Columbus City School district musicians, recent CCS graduates, and a few educators. The move is a nod towards community involvement and an expansion of the interactive dimension of the concert.
The enthusiasm for the event is evident, with the team looking forward to what they describe as an "inclusive experience with and for our community", according to the Columbus City Schools news. In a landscape often dominated by big-ticket concerts and disconnected experiences, "One Sound" promises to reinforce the power of local music scenes. This live collaboration among students, educators, and accomplished musicians demonstrates a collective effort to blend education, community, and the arts into a harmonic tapestry that improves the cultural fabric of the city.
